BALJUNSO responds to concerns involving SM Entertainment's investment

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Following the surprising news of SM Entertainment investing in company BALJUNSO to launch a subsidiary indie label, BALJUNSO responded to the concerns that cooperating with such a large entertainment company may diminish the unique color of the Korean indie scene.

BALJUNSO CEO Kang Byung Yong stated on the 26th, "We will maintain the color of the indie scene and through the support, we will create an environment in which the indie musicians will be able to promote more actively."

"We are aware of the concerns that some people may have... We will focus more on concerts rather than broadcasts. The color of the indie scene will not fade."

"It is true that a substantial number of indie musicians are pursuing music under poor conditions... We will create a system which will make it easier for them to produce and promote their albums. We will create an environment in which the indie musicians will be able to focus on their music according to their effort."

SM Entertainment and BALJUNSO will hold the 'BALJUNSO WORLD WIDE PROMOTION' event which will begin in Hongdae on March 8 at 4 PM KST and features performances by seven groups including band HLIN, up and coming hip hop crew Play the Siren, Love and Peace, and 015B's Jang Ho Il project band. The event will also be streamed live on SMTOWN's YouTube channel, Genie, and USTREAM.

SM is clearly trying to shake things up. They know idols can't run the industry forever. Hey I'm not complaining. Seeign the same thing over and over as "mainstream"can get a little tiring. Woollim is still doing their thing despite everyone crying wolf last year. Now there are even inter-agency collaborations (well technically they're all under the same umbrella). Maybe it's just me but I've been waiting for such things for a long time. We'll see where this goes. I'm glad indie music can get a little more exposure even. People can be pessimistic about the situation all they want but it's not going to change the fact that what's done is done. ;